The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 10,000 personnel from 10 state commands to strengthen security operations ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
The Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi, ordered the deployment, which includes uniformed and undercover officers drawn from the Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kogi, Delta and Federal Capital Territory commands. The personnel will complement existing security arrangements across the state’s 30 local government areas.
The NSCDC has also deployed specialised units, including the Special Intelligence Squad, Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, Specialised Female Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Strike Force, Crack Squad and K9 Unit. The units will support intelligence gathering, crime prevention, protection of critical infrastructure, crowd control and other election-related operations.
To ensure effective coordination, senior NSCDC officers, led by the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Operations, Ayuba Phillip, will relocate to Osun State to supervise the deployment. Audi urged personnel to remain professional, neutral and respectful of citizens’ rights while carrying out their duties.
The NSCDC also warned political thugs and other individuals planning to disrupt the election that they would face the full weight of the law. The Corps said it would work closely with the Nigeria Police Force, military and other security agencies to ensure a peaceful, free and credible election.
